Colorado State University (CSU) is a public education institution eligible to offer a voluntary retirement savings program as described under section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (also referred to as a “403(b) Plan”). The Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) also provides two voluntary retirement savings programs: a 457 plan and a 401(k) plan.

To enroll, complete a salary deferral election form and the required vendor application. New enrollments / changes are due by the 10th day of the month for the change to be effective for the monthly payroll cycle.

Under the 403(b) plan, eligible employees may contribute on a pre-tax basis, in which investment earnings grow tax-deferred until they are distributed. The employee is responsible for investigating and selecting an investment service program (vendor) and investments from among the vendors available under the plan.

CSU has established relationships with three vendors to provide 403(b) arrangements for both “Traditional” and “Roth” accounts. A Traditional account is funded with pre-tax contributions and a Roth is funded with after-tax contributions.

This plan is offered by Colorado PERA to all CSU employees. The plan is managed and administered by Colorado PERA.
An enrollment packet is available from the CSU Benefits Office.

Your initial enrollment form must be submitted to PERA. You will then be
sent a secure PIN by PERA which allows you to complete the enrollment process online and to make future changes to contribution amounts or fund selections. Payroll deductions are initiated the month following completion of the online enrollment process.

To participate, complete a salary deferral election form and the necessary PERA application available in the CSU Benefits Office. New enrollments/changes are due by the 10th day of the month for the change to be effective for that monthly payroll cycle.